![\"Binmen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_bin-collection.jpg\")
<\/p>\nYour rubbish could be left behind on collection day if this is spotted in any of your bins<\/p>\n
Binmen could leave your rubbish behind on collection day if they spot this (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
A binman claims that people who try to hide an item commonly found in many Irish homes in the bin on collection day could have their rubbish left on the kerbside.<\/p>\n
He explained all on social media in a recent post.<\/p>\n
There are multiple ways to correctly dispose of an old carpet or rug, explains Ashley, who posts as @Theno1.binman on TikTok. He said: “Carpets? You do not put them in the bin. They are too big. They are a bulky item, so you do not put carpets in any of your household bins.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Northern Lights set to reappear over Galway tonight – where you can see them<\/a>READ MORE: Popular Lidl food recall over serious illness risk<\/a><\/p>\n Why can’t carpets go in the bin?<\/p>\n Carpets cannot be placed in standard household bins because they are bulky, heavy, non-biodegradable, and challenging to process, which causes problems at landfills and recycling centres. They are classified as specialised waste, and placing them in domestic bins can result in non-collection or penalties.<\/p>\n Most carpets are manufactured from synthetic fibres like nylon or polypropylene. These materials do not decompose in landfills and can require hundreds of years to fully break down, reports the Express<\/a>.<\/p>\n These regulations typically apply to rugs for identical reasons. Smaller rugs might be permitted in certain areas as general waste if cut into pieces, but numerous councils specifically list them as items that must not go in standard black bins.<\/p>\n How to get rid of old or unwanted carpets<\/p>\n Residents who wish to dispose of any scrap carpet have several options that won’t anger the local refuse collectors. However, some do require paying a charge, while others will be free – provided you can transport the carpet yourself. Ashley suggested one way to dispose of an old carpet is to contact your local authority and arrange a bulky waste collection. Depending on your location, this may incur a fee, and collection will be subject to council availability.<\/p>\n For those replacing their flooring, it’s worth enquiring whether the installation company will remove the old carpet as part of their service. However, this option typically comes with an additional charge as well.<\/p>\n There are several cost-free methods to get rid of an old carpet. Homeowners could take the carpet to their nearest recycling centre and locate the bulky goods area. It’s advisable to check with the council beforehand, usually via their website, to confirm where it should be taken.<\/p>\n If the carpet remains in decent condition, you could look at selling it online through local Facebook groups or Marketplace. Local animal rescue centres frequently accept donated carpet as well, using it for insulation to keep animals comfortable and warm.<\/p>\n Join Galway Beo’s top stories and breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link<\/a> to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.<\/p>\n